The Prime Minister of Dominica hinted some time ago that the tentative date for re opening of Dominica’s borders was some time in July. Plans are being put in place to facilitate this.
According to the Minister responsible for Health, Dr. Irving McIntyre, reopening of our borders will bring challenges as was evident in other islands. He said that there are no set guidelines and each country must take its own circumstances into consideration.
According to him, travellers to Dominica will fill out an online questionnaire which would detail among other things their travel history and place of work. They will also be subject to a rapid test.
He said, “Prior to coming here, we would love that you have a PCR test done, preferable within 72 hrs. We also have the online questionnaire that the person has to fill out.”
He continued, “Then we can take measures accordingly. When we get here as well, we have temperature screening if you are 99. 8o C and below then you go to the next stage, if you are 99. 8o C and above then you go to the secondary screening. That’s our fourth line of defense.”
He said further that rapid test results can be ready within 15 minutes. Where the health authorities would require further testing, the individuals would be put into isolation until a PCR test comes back 24 hours later. The traveller will pay for this test.
The Ministry of Health is actively working out the guidelines which would determine the conditions under which Dominica’s borders reopen.
